How do you actually check transmission fluid?

[soundmanlpte]

Hello, I have the automatic btw.

I did a drain & fill last weekend (Amsoil ATF). Drained 4.5 quarts, filled 4.5 quarts through dipstick. Spilled a bit in the process, so I added a bit more. Drove it around (shifted GREAT), then ran it through gears and checked the fluid. It was REALLY high. several inches above full line. I took a bit out but figured it was because I just drove it. I've checked several times throughout the week with the same result. And I just don't believe it. I think I must be checking the fluid incorrectly. It makes it difficult that you have to fill through dipstick tube...

I have been checking warm, after running through the gears. Should I check it cold?? Do our trucks have a fill plug? My Honda does and it makes this easy. What is a reliable way to check fluid? Also what is the harm in running it with too much fluid?

 

[AZ4Running]

To check fluid park in flat level surface, start engine and let it warm up, with engine at operating temp and in park check trans fluid. Be sure to wipe the dipstick off, put back in then check level on dipstick. Full it should be at the bottom of the upper mark.

 

[jgue467]

Cold or Hot

Look at your trans dipstick, it has a Cold and a Hot range (high/low for each). So test either way, cold obviously is before first start of the day. Hot is just that, Hot after driving it far enough to get to full operating temps, not warm, Hot. You may be checking while its still only warm and if you are gauging against the cold range, it would seem several inches above where it s/b. Mine takes at least 30 miles to get Hot, so i test Cold. Luck! :rockon:

 

[JB_SSR]

Make sure your on level ground, start the car leave it in park. Let the fluid course the engine for a minute. To get an accurate reading your car must be running, the dipstick is located in believe by the Intake tube. Take out the dipstick and wipe it with a rag, then put it back in and clean it off again, transmission fluid generally shouldn't be replaced from what I've learned in tech school so far (I've only had one year so don't bash me) because it can apparently mess with the transmission. If it's old or needs changing the dipstick will indicate it is low or if the fluid is black or dark brown. Also I need help with my runner if you guys could give me any advice it would be greatly appreciated I'm new here by the way http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-p0141-running-too-lean-help.html#post1860857

 

[thor999]

Make sure your on level ground, start the car leave it in park. Let the fluid course the engine for a minute. To get an accurate reading your car must be running, the dipstick is located in believe by the Intake tube. Take out the dipstick and wipe it with a rag, then put it back in and clean it off again, transmission fluid generally shouldn't be replaced from what I've learned in tech school so far (I've only had one year so don't bash me) because it can apparently mess with the transmission. If it's old or needs changing the dipstick will indicate it is low or if the fluid is black or dark brown. Also I need help with my runner if you guys could give me any advice it would be greatly appreciated I'm new here by the way http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-p0141-running-too-lean-help.html#post1860857

Ummm no offense but our vehicles require routine replacement of trans fluid... now whether we should drain and fill or flush and fill is still in debate Welcome to the forum! I could not help with your running lean problem sorry I haven't been through that yet

 

[AZ4Running]

Yeah dont replace your tans fkuid and see how long it lasts. Trans service or flush should be done every 30k. My trans has 258k on it and was serviced regularly all full fluid flushes and it is still kicking. As an auto repair tech that works on a lot of import and domestic vehicles regular service of the trans fluid is always recommended as per dealer service, look in your service manual if you have one. I can tell you that flushing or servicing a worn or slipping trans will not help but can make the slipping worse, clean fluid, washing clutches ect ect. Also that in most cases replacing the trans filter is not necessary, if the trans pan is leaking then go ahead and replace the filter while you have the pan off, other wise leave the trans filter be.

 

[soundmanlpte]

Okay. I have checked the tranny fluid every which way. Hot, cold, running, not, upside down, you name.

Overtime the dipstick shows about two inches above the hot line, 4 inches above the cold line. No change hot or cold. I have siphoned out maybe half a quart or so. And it appears to be shifting better.

Should I continue siphoning more out? Is it possible that it was just run 2 quarts or so overfull until I drained the fluid? What's the harm in running it with too much fluid?

And is it possible the dipstick is just flat BS?

 

[jgue467]

Should I continue siphoning more out? Is it possible that it was just run 2 quarts or so overfull until I drained the fluid? What's the harm in running it with too much fluid?

And is it possible the dipstick is just flat BS?

Probably and yes. Too much (not sure how that is defined exactly) but too much can lead to foaming i think? Which then could affect its operation/life? I'd get it somewhat close even if its a little high. Luck.

 

[soundmanlpte]

Probably and yes. Too much (not sure how that is defined exactly) but too much can lead to foaming i think? Which then could affect its operation/life? I'd get it somewhat close even if its a little high. Luck.

Thanks for the response. I'll just keep siphoning. I honestly have been bad about checking the fluid and I kinda just think it was high before I drained it. So I filled it with same amount and it's still high. Might just do another drain and fill.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Drain the oil hot. Only put 4qt back in no matter what comes out. With that dipstick and how hard it is to put in I just do the 4Qt thing. Cold I get around 3QT.

 

[Brian32]

i have 130,000 on my 02. checked it the other day still looks new and i never haul/have bad driving habits..should i get it flushed?

 

[soundmanlpte]

i have 130,000 on my 02. checked it the other day still looks new and i never haul/have bad driving habits..should i get it flushed?

Not flushed but you most definitely should do a drain and fill.

 

[soundmanlpte]

Drain the oil hot. Only put 4qt back in no matter what comes out. With that dipstick and how hard it is to put in I just do the 4Qt thing. Cold I get around 3QT.

Thanks for the tips. That dipstick is a pain in the ass.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Thanks for the tips. That dipstick is a pain in the ass.

When I bought the 97 it didn't have a dipstick in the trans. Took the dipstick out of the totaled 96.

 

[enadler1]

Okay. I have checked the tranny fluid every which way. Hot, cold, running, not, upside down, you name.

Overtime the dipstick shows about two inches above the hot line, 4 inches above the cold line. No change hot or cold. I have siphoned out maybe half a quart or so. And it appears to be shifting better.

Should I continue siphoning more out? Is it possible that it was just run 2 quarts or so overfull until I drained the fluid? What's the harm in running it with too much fluid?

And is it possible the dipstick is just flat BS?

I have the exact same issue. Can't get a decent reading and I even bought a new dip stick just in case. The situation is even more tricky for me since I added an inline transmission oil cooler. I lost all hope getting an accurate measure. If you are syphoning liquid out, try measuring the tube you're using, to be the same length of the high cold mark of the dip stick. If nothing comes out, I guess your liquid level is really below that line. Right?

 

[alumarine]

I have the exact same issue. Can't get a decent reading and I even bought a new dip stick just in case. The situation is even more tricky for me since I added an inline transmission oil cooler. I lost all hope getting an accurate measure. If you are syphoning liquid out, try measuring the tube you're using, to be the same length of the high cold mark of the dip stick. If nothing comes out, I guess your liquid level is really below that line. Right?

It doesn't matter if you have an external cooler or not, the procedure is the same.

Get fluid up to 160-180 degrees.
Park on level ground and with foot on brake and motor running put gear selector into each gear and back into park.
With engine running pull dipstick out and wipe it clean.
Reinsert dipstick fully for a couple of seconds and recheck it.
Fluid should be between the Hot indents.

 

[phattyduck]

It doesn't matter if you have an external cooler or not, the procedure is the same.

Get fluid up to 160-180 degrees.
Park on level ground and with foot on brake and motor running put gear selector into each gear and back into park.
With engine running pull dipstick out and wipe it clean.
Reinsert dipstick fully for a couple of seconds and recheck it.
Fluid should be between the Hot indents.

All this is correct. If you are having trouble telling the difference between the actual level and extra fluid smeared up the dipstick, use a paper/shop towel like this:

That's my Odyssey dipstick, but the same idea applies. Wrap it carefully around, then open it back up without moving/sliding the paper towel. The dark line is the top of the fluid and all the wispy bits that are confusing won't show up strongly. The image above the dot for low fluid (it was still cold for that reading).

-Charlie